TheCable

Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger Republic to train the West African nation’s army. 

Nigerien state TV RTN made the announcement late Thursday evening.

The Sahel broadcaster showed a Russian transport plane arriving at the airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Wednesday night, saying “the latest military equipment and military instructors from the Russian defence ministry” had arrived.

The channel added that Russia will help “install an air defence system… to ensure complete control of our airspace”.

The deployment of Russian personnel to Niger is part of a recent agreement between both countries to increase cooperation as the West African country, one of the poorest in the world, grapples with jihadist rebellions.

After expelling French forces helping in the fight against terrorism, Niger’s military government agreed in January to step up military cooperation with Russia.

France, a former colonial power, had frowned at the military takeover, while Russia had advocated for Nigerien citizens to do what was “best for them” while posing as a military power without a colonial past.

“We are here to train the Nigerien army… (and) to develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger,” a trainer in camouflage with most of his face covered, told the state TV.

Niger’s growing affinity with Russia has raised concerns from the US.

The Nigerien junta in March revoked an accord with the US government which allowed American troops to operate on two of its bases.

Around 1,000 US military personnel had operated from the country as of 2023, and the US government had also built a drone base that cost more than $100 million.

Meanwhile, Germany currently operates an airbase in Niamey.

Neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso are also turning to Russia for support to tackle the insurgency spreading through the Sahel region.